KKN Gurugram Desk | India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has stated that India and China are actively shaping a new equilibrium in Asia, despite their complex relationship. Speaking at the GMF Brussels Forum 2025, Jaishankar emphasized the evolving dynamics between the two Asian giants and their global implications.

Jaishankar noted that both nations are not only geopolitical neighbors but also emerging powers, undergoing parallel yet distinct development paths. As a result, a multi-dimensional balance of power is taking shape—one that includes military, economic, political, and civilizational factors.

“India and China Are Both Rising—That Creates a Unique Dynamic”

In his address, Dr. Jaishankar explained that the rise of India and China as powerful nations has added layers of complexity to global geopolitics. He stated:

“There is a complex balance unfolding. China is rising. India is also rising. Each is negotiating its own balance with the world, and between the two, a more intricate balance is emerging, especially because we are neighbors and share overlapping spheres of influence.”

The minister acknowledged that while border disputes remain unresolved, the broader context of India-China relations includes trade, strategic interests, and regional power dynamics. He emphasized that mutual development does not eliminate concerns but makes the balancing process even more sophisticated.

India-China Relations Are More Complex Than They Appear

Dr. Jaishankar pointed out that people often oversimplify India-China relations, assuming one will offset the other. However, the reality, he said, is far more nuanced.

“Our economic models, societal values, and political systems are fundamentally different. That naturally creates areas of tension. But this relationship is far more complicated than the typical ‘one balances the other’ narrative.”

He explained that although both countries have over a billion citizens and centuries of history, they have embarked on different paths of modernization. While China began its modernization earlier, India is now accelerating its development and asserting its position on the global stage.

The Unsettled Border Remains a Central Issue

When asked about the long-standing India-China border dispute, Jaishankar made it clear that this unresolved issue continues to significantly shape bilateral relations.

“China is our closest neighbor. But it is also a neighbor with whom we have an unsettled border. That is a major factor in our relationship, and it’s something that continues to require attention.”

The minister added that the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and other contested regions remain a source of strategic caution, even as both nations explore ways to cooperate on trade and regional development.

Civilizational Parallels: India and China Are Unique Among Nations

Beyond geopolitical and military considerations, Jaishankar spoke about the civilizational dimension of India-China ties. He said both countries are not just modern nation-states, but civilizational entities with long histories and deep cultural roots.

“India and China are unique because they are not just countries with large populations, but also civilizational states that have developed alongside each other.”

He highlighted that China’s modernization began earlier due to different political decisions in its formative years. India, on the other hand, is catching up with renewed momentum and global ambition.

Europe’s Changing Perspective on China

The conversation also shifted to Europe’s current stance on China, and whether the continent remains indifferent to Beijing’s growing influence. Dr. Jaishankar responded candidly:

“Fifteen years ago, Europe was in a different place. But today, many European nations are reassessing their approach to China. There has been a clear evolution in their geopolitical thinking.”

He acknowledged, however, that Europe is not moving at a uniform pace.

“Not all European countries are heading in the same direction. Some are taking a more assertive stance, while others are still cautious or ambivalent. It’s a diverse landscape.”

“It Feels Like Déjà Vu from Russia 15 Years Ago”

During the discussion, the interviewer compared Europe’s current situation with China to how it handled Russia fifteen years ago. In a moment of striking agreement, Jaishankar said:

“You’re right. I wouldn’t disagree with that.”

His candid remark prompted laughter from the audience, but also highlighted the cyclical nature of global geopolitics, where unresolved strategic choices tend to repeat in different forms.

India’s Global Role Is Expanding

Dr. Jaishankar underlined that India is no longer a passive observer but an active participant in shaping the global order. As India continues to rise economically and strategically, its foreign policy is becoming more assertive and multifaceted.

“India’s identity on the global stage is evolving. We are not just reacting to others—we are creating frameworks, engaging proactively, and asserting our strategic autonomy.”

The statements made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Brussels Forum 2025 offer critical insight into the future of India-China relations. While tensions persist—particularly regarding the unresolved border—the overarching narrative is one of strategic recalibration.

Both countries are rising, but in different ways. The real challenge, as Jaishankar emphasized, lies in managing this complexity, addressing friction points, and ensuring that competition does not escalate into conflict.

As India redefines its global presence and strengthens its voice in international forums, its ability to navigate relations with China—and with Europe—will be central to its foreign policy in the coming decade.